Public Lecture: This is a Love Song! On the Politics of Sound in 20th Century China

Love songs have a very long history, and we can find them in every culture. In the 20^th century, they have become an essential aspect of the recording industry, and mass production increased the potential of their transnational circulation. Under certain circumstances, however, love songs can become invested with multiple meanings and turn into a political weapon.

This presentation will focus on the history of one of China’s most popular love songs, recorded in 1937. Seen as a “classic” and “milestone” today, it not only travelled widely, but has long been a controversial and overdetermined site of memory.

Place: University of Copenhagen, South Campus, Room 12.0.37, Karen Blixens Plads 8 2300 København S

Organizers: ThinkChina and Department of Cross-Cultural and Regional Studies, UCPH

The event is free, but please sign up here.